Message From the President

Message from ISA President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of the International Surfing Association, it is my greatest pleasure and honor to welcome you to the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games taking place in Costa De Caparica, Portugal.

The surfers of the world are representing their countries in the true spirit of fair play and surfing tribe camaraderie.

All of today’s top surfers of the world have competed in this event in the past.

Since 1995 the International Surfing Association has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international sports organizations as the World Governing Body for surfing and all wave-riding sports. 

With the support of the growing number of the ISA member federations and all of you, we continue in our path For a Better Surfing Future around the world.

In a world trapped in cycles of violence, hate and wars, all ISA events are a clear proof that a much better world is not only needed, but it is within reach. Surfers from all races, religions, cultures, languages and nationalities come together, proving to the world that we are all brothers and sisters.

The ISA continues to be the world's largest surfing organization, both in terms of quantity of surfing competitions, amount of member nations and amount of competitors.

The ISA World Surfing Games continues to grow year after year with the generous support of the National Federations and its athletes. To surf in this event representing your country is the highest honor a surfer can achieve. To win a medal in an ISA event stands for much more than recognition of excellence in surfing. It represents fair play and the peaceful coming together of all surfing nations in the name of our beloved sport.

Just participating in this year’s event in Costa De Caparica is a huge accomplishment for you and your family.

In the name of the ISA, I would like to extend my warmest and most sincere gratitude to our host country, Portugal, to the organizers of the event, National Factor and Federação Portuguesa de Surf (FPS), to all the National Teams, and to the people and government of Costa De Caparica.

To each member of every delegation, please take advantage of every good opportunity this distinguished competition presents to become a better surfer and a better person.  Make the most of this experience, good luck to all of you, and when you go back home, I am sure you will become an unofficial ambassador for Portugal and its people.

For a better surfing future with

Un muy fuerte abrazo

Fernando Aguerre

President, International Surfing Association

Radical Surf Magazine interviews ISA President after the WSG 2004